Tuesday, 19 July 2016

5 Things to Consider When Planning a Glazed Extension

With the cost of moving expenses and the stress of an oversubscribed market, many homeowners are now opting to have extensions built as a way of gaining extra space in their existing homes. This not only saves you the hassle of having to move house, it also means you get to stay in the house you love even as your needs as a homeowner change. Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a bigger bathroom or the kitchen-diner of your dreams, an extension can give you that little bit of extra space you’ve been craving.

Extensions used to be boxy awkward add-ons that often looked quite out of place . Thankfully, with changes in home design and technology, this is no longer the case. Glass is a much bigger feature in the modern extensions. Architectural glazing allows you to create a bright, open space for your family to enjoy. A well-planned extension can completely change the feel of your home, creating a more modern and stylish environment whilst also providing the space that your family needs. Here are five things to think about when planning your glazed extension:

1. How will the room be used

The very first thing you need to consider is what the extra space will be used for. Are you looking to create a spacious family room which leads out into the garden so your kids can enjoy some freedom on hot summer days? Or are you trying to create a grown up room for you and your partner to sit in and enjoy star gazing while the kids are tucked up in bed? Extensions can be expensive, so it’s important to get it right. Think about what you want now but also what you might need in the future. Try to create a versatile space that will last you for years to come.

2. Let in light

Once you know what the room to be, it’s time to bring in the professionals. A glazing specialist such as DWL Windows will be able to offer you tailored advice to make sure you get it just right. As experts in the field, they can use their experience and knowledge to make sure you get the most out of your extension. Using Computer-Aided Design, a glazing specialist will be able to turn your ideas into plans. They will talk to you about the best way to allow light to enter the extension. Some people choose bi-fold doors as a way of bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors whilst letting in as much light as possible. Other homeowners choose to add roof windows to an extension to allow light to penetrate the space.

3. Think about the sun

You’ll need to think carefully about the sun will affect your extension. To do this, you’ll need to spend some time in the garden observing how the sun passes over your property. Will your extension be getting the full beam of the summer sun’s rays or will it be overshadowed by the house? The amount of sun your extension gets could affect how warm it is inside, so you’ll need to speak to your architect about this. Working out when your extension will have light throughout the day can help you to better plan your use of the room.

4. Think about the temperature

Traditional conservatories can be cold in the winter and quickly overheat during the summer months. Modern glazed extensions are much better at standing up to the elements, but you may still notice a difference in room temperature between the seasons. If you are planning to have a lot of glass, you may need to increase insulation in other parts of the house to keep your home toasty during winter. To get an idea of what the glazed extension will be like, speak to a homeowner who already has one.

5. Will it add value?

Value doesn’t have to be a monetary thing, you could consider the quality of life value it will add to your life. Glazed extensions aren’t cheap, the use of high-quality glass makes this a more expensive build than a traditional brick extension. However, it also creates a much more beautiful and modern space. Work out the cost of the project carefully (make sure you leave yourself a bit of wiggle room in case it ends up costing a little more than expected) to work out whether you can afford it. The extra space and modern design is likely to increase the value of your home and make it a more attractive purchase to potential buyers. However, if you are planning to stay in the house long-term, you will probably be more bothered about how much space and enjoyment you will be getting out of the investment.

A glazed extension is pretty much my dream, I’d love to knock down our falling to bits ramshackle conservatory and replace it with a glass box extension. Are you thinking of adding one to your home?